Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 12, 2025

Featured in: Side Dishes

Nothing beats the comforting blend of melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty marinara sauce wrapped up in a golden, flaky crescent dough. These Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups bring all the classic flavors of pizza into a convenient, handheld snack that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on the go.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or need a quick appetizer to satisfy a craving, these roll-ups offer a crispy exterior with a gooey, cheesy center that appeals to kids and adults alike. The Italian seasoning adds a burst of aromatic flavor, making every bite a delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Versatile snack that works perfectly as an appetizer, party food, or light meal option.
Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and easy to make ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

Crescent Roll Dough (8 oz package): Flaky, buttery dough that bakes crispy and golden, forming the perfect roll-up base.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Mild, melty cheese that creates a gooey, cheesy interior with excellent stretch.
Sliced Pepperoni (1⁄4 cup): Spicy, flavorful cured meat that adds savory richness to the roll-ups.
Marinara or Pizza Sauce (1⁄4 cup): Tomato-based sauce with herbs, providing moisture and classic pizza flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1⁄4 cup): Sharp, finely grated cheese sprinkled on top for extra cheesiness and a golden crust.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): An aromatic blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance flavor complexity.
Melted Butter (1 tablespoon): Brushed on roll-ups to promote browning and impart a rich, buttery finish.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Adds a subtle kick of heat for spicy flavor lovers.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Separate and Lay Out Crescent Dough: Roll out the crescent dough and carefully separate it along perforations into individual triangles. This provides the perfect shape for rolling.
Spread Sauce on Dough Triangles: Use approximately one tablespoon of marinara sauce per triangle, spreading evenly while leaving a small border to avoid overflow during baking.
Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle about two tablespoons of shredded mozzarella over each sauce-covered triangle to ensure each bite is cheesy and melty.
Layer Pepperoni Slices: Place 4-5 pepperoni slices evenly on top of the cheese for a balanced savory flavor throughout the roll-up.
Season with Italian Herbs: Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the pepperoni to impart aromatic herb flavors that enhance the pizza taste.
Roll Up the Dough Triangles: Beginning at the wide end, carefully roll each dough triangle toward the narrow tip, enclosing the filling inside and forming a compact roll-up.
Arrange Roll-Ups on Baking Sheet: Place each roll-up seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to help them keep their shape while baking.
Brush with Melted Butter and Add Parmesan: Brush melted butter evenly over the tops to encourage browning, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously crisp, cheesy topping.
Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the roll-ups turn golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes to allow fillings to set. Serve with extra marinara for dipping and enjoy the irresistible, cheesy goodness.

You Must Know

You can prepare the roll-ups in advance and refrigerate before baking to save time on serving day.
Feel free to swap pepperoni for turkey pepperoni or add vegetables like mushrooms or olives to customize flavors.
Enjoy them warm for gooey cheese or cold as a portable snack for lunches and picnics.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pizza roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through to retain crispness and gooey cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these roll-ups with a side of warm marinara sauce or a fresh green salad for a complete appetizer or light meal. They also pair well with a chilled beverage for casual gatherings.

Professional Tips

Use room temperature dough for easier handling and rolling without tearing.
Brush edges lightly with water before rolling to seal the dough and prevent filling leaks.
For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes inside before rolling.

FAQs

Can I use refrigerated pizza dough instead of crescent roll dough?: Yes, refrigerated pizza dough works well but may require slightly longer baking times and careful rolling to keep the shape intact.
Are these roll-ups freezer-friendly?: Absolutely! Prepare and assemble roll-ups, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Can I make these gluten-free?: Use gluten-free crescent dough or pizza dough as a substitute, though texture and baking time might vary slightly.
How spicy are these roll-ups?: These roll-ups have mild spice from pepperoni and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust spiciness by adding more flakes or choosing spicy pepperoni.
What dips go well with these roll-ups?: Marinara sauce is classic, but ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo also make delicious dips.
Can I add vegetables inside?: Yes, finely chopped mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
What is the best cheese to use besides mozzarella?: Cheeses like provolone or a mozzarella-cheddar blend melt well and provide delicious variations on the classic flavor.